Bates, a member of the club's FA Youth Cup winning side in 2004, has endured an injury nightmare since breaking into the senior squad.

However, his form at the end of last season impressed Southgate, particularly when he was asked to plug a gap in the middle of midfield.

But the drop into the Coca-Cola Championship left Bates with a desperately difficult decision to make as his existing deal drew to a close.

Asked last month if staying at the Riverside was his preferred option, he said: "Yes, it, of course it is. It's the club I support, it's the club my family support. But it's a big decision for my future as well. I am out of contract in the summer and ultimately, I would like to stay in the Premier League.

"It's going to be a very difficult decision to make either way whatever I do, and it is going to be an important one as well."